Antique Oushak Rugs

Antique Oushak rugs originate from Western Anatolia in Turkey, and have been manufactured since the early-fifteenth century.

Also called Ushak or Uşak rugs after the Turkish city that they come from, these rugs were the first Ottoman carpets to be produced for the European markets, where during the Renaissance and subsequent Baroque period, Oriental carpets were held in high regard.History & Description

Uşak was a major centre for the rug and carpet trade from the early days of the Ottoman Empire through to the early-twentieth century.

Guide for collectors

There is a highly competitive market for antique Oushak rugs. Antique Oushak rugs are frequently offered by national auction houses in the United States and prices generally range between $2,000 and $5,000. The more valuable and distinguished examples are sold through international auctioneers, like Sotheby’s and Christie’s, and prices can exceed $150,000.

A useful resource for rug collectors is Rugrag.com. This site offers valuable information for both prospective and existing owners and has one of the largest databases specified for consumers interested in Oriental rugs. There are also a number of other online sources and antique rugs dealers, such as C-john.com and Rugs-oriental.net.

Notable auction sales

On December 4th 2001 at Sotheby’s in New York, an early-sixteenth century Oushak rug, from West Anatolia, realised a price of $159,750.

On December 14th 2006 at Sotheby’s in New York, an early-nineteenth century Ousak rug with minor damage realised a price of $132,000.

On May 21st 1997 at Christie’s in New York, a seventeenth century Oushak medallion rug from West Anatolia realised a price of $75,100.

On June 1st 2006 at Sotheby’s in New York, an early-seventeenth century Oushak rug from West Anatolia realised a price of $54,000.

On April 9th 2008 at Sotheby’s in New York, a late-sixteenth century Oushak rug from West Anatolia realised a price of $53,300.